Scientist discovers what dogs dream about and it's good news for owners

There's nothing quite as heart-warming as watching your dog snooze away, their little paws twitching as if they're having a good old run about, or letting out the tiniest of woofs.

As dedicated dog parents, we'd love to believe they're dreaming of cosy cuddles on the sofa or bounding through fields with their furry friends by their side.

Dr Deirdre Barrett, a clinical and evolutionary psychologist at Harvard Medical School, has conducted research into exactly what our four-legged friends dream about.

According to her findings, it's highly likely that dogs dream about their daily adventures, much like we humans do, which means there's every chance they're dreaming about us, their beloved owners.

Speaking to People, she explained: "Humans dream about the same things they're interested in by day, though more visually and less logically. There's no reason to think animals are any different.

"Since dogs are generally extremely attached to their human owners, it's likely your dog is dreaming of your face, your smell and of pleasing or annoying you."

While there's no definitive way to determine what exactly a dog is dreaming about, Dr Barrett suggests it's probable they're dreaming of having a sprint when their paws or legs start to twitch, or perhaps having a chat with another dog or human when they begin to bark.

She explains that most animals, like humans, cycle through light, deep and REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep phases. It's during the REM phase that humans dream, suggesting this could also be when our pets experience their own nocturnal adventures.

For us humans, REM sleep typically begins about 90 minutes into our slumber and lasts between five to 15 minutes, with each phase extending as the night progresses.

Dr Barrett advises pet owners to enhance their dog's dreams by ensuring they have "happy daytime experiences" and creating a secure, cosy spot for them to settle down at night.

However, when it comes to nightmares, the American Kennel Club recommends owners should "let sleeping dogs lie" as they might lash out at whoever disturbs their rest.

Their guidance states: " Not all human dreams are good. We infer that dogs can have nightmares, too. These nightmares are hard to watch.

"It can be tempting to wake your dog to comfort her, as you would a child, but there are some risks associated with doggy nightmares that you should share with your family.

"If you've ever been woken from a scary dream, you know that it can take a minute to remember where you are and whom you are with.

"Like some people, dogs can react aggressively toward the person waking them. This can be dangerous, especially for children.

"The best thing that you can do for a dog you think is having a bad dream is to wait for your dog to wake up and be there to comfort him. ".

Reacting to this advice, one dog owner shared: "My dog is always running in his dreams and if he's not running he's whimpering."

Another chimed in: "The dog one may be true because I always chase my dog and she always bark and when she is sleeping she also barks."

A third expressed gratitude saying: "I didn't know that - thanks a lot."